The only bragging right arising out of this average Five Nations campaign was a third consecutive win at Cardiff Arms Park, courtesy of that interception try which culminated in big Noel Mannion racing down the touchline to touch down. Otherwise, the only noteworthy 'achievement' by the Ireland rugby team in this year was when Willie Anderson led his troops up into the faces of the All Blacks as the New Zealanders unleashed their haka. Regrettably, the team could not emulate their pre-match heroics.

IRELAND 21 FRANCE 26; 21st January; at Lansdowne Road

15 Danaher

14 Sexton

13 Mullin [TRY]

12 Irwin

11 Kiernan [5 penalties, conversion]

10 Dean

9 Aherne

8 Mannion

7 O'Hara

6 Matthews (c)

5 Anderson

4 Lenihan

3 McCoy

2 Smith

1 Clancy

Three second-half French tries turned this contest on its head after Ireland had led 18-7 at half time, before they wilted.

WALES 13 IRELAND 19; 4th February; at Cardiff Arms Park

15 Dunlea

14 Kiernan [3 penalties, conversion]

13 Mullin

12 Irwin

11 Crossan

10 Dean [TRY]

9 Aherne

8 Mannion [TRY]

7 O'Hara

6 Matthews (c)

5 Anderson

4 Lenihan

3 McCoy

2 Smith

1 Clancy

Trailing at the interval to two Paul Thorburn penalties, Ireland amassed nineteen points in the second half.

IRELAND 3 ENGLAND 16; 18th February; at Lansdowne Road

15 Dunlea

14 Kiernan [penalty]

13 Mullin

12 Irwin

11 Haycock

10 Dean

9 Aherne

8 Mannion

7 O'Hara

6 Matthews (c)

5 Anderson

4 Lenihan

3 McCoy

2 Smith

1 Clancy

Brian Moore and Dean Richards scored the decisive tries for a resurgent England. The hosts had trailed 6-0 at half time.

SCOTLAND 37 IRELAND 21; 4th March; at Murrayfield

15 Dunlea [TRY]

14 Kiernan [penalty, 3 conversions]

13 Mullin [2 TRIES]

12 Irwin

11 Crossan

10 Dean

9 Aherne

8 Mannion

7 McBride

6 Matthews (c)

5 Francis

4 Lenihan

3 McCoy

2 Smith

1 Clancy

The Oirish actually led 21-19 at the interval. Iwan Tukalo grabbed a hat-trick in this eight tries extravaganza.